Santa visits are usually for children. But as the 2020 Christmas season approaches, the Home Instead Senior Care center in Zelienople is planning to bring holiday cheer to senior citizens.

“We started Be a Santa to a Senior as a way to give back to older adults in our community,” said Brendan Kenny, owner of the Zelienople Home Instead office. “To make them feel remembered and cherished at this time.”

The program was originally designed to spread holiday happiness by providing area seniors with gifts and companionship. It began locally 10 years ago, according to Kenny.

Every year, it reaches more senior citizens than the last. Kenny said program coordinators this year are hoping to give gifts to more than 100 local seniors.

Kenny also said the program is particularly important as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.

“We've all felt a little alone or overwhelmed at some point,” Kenny said. “These seniors may be feeling even more isolated.”

While the program has been adjusted to account for safety measures, it will continue much as it has in years past.

Through Dec. 11, gifts often as simple as blankets and toiletries will be provided anonymously through people, organizations and businesses in both Beaver and Butler counties.

By working with local nonprofit and community organizations, Home Instead Senior Care center identifies seniors in the region who might not get any gifts this year.

Program organizers have worked with Amazon Business to generate online wish lists for contactless gift buying.

Kenny said it's difficult to say how many people are involved annually with fulfilling wish lists due to anonymity. But all who are involved are greatly appreciated.

“In our community, seniors are especially at risk of feeling isolated,” Kenny said. “A simple gift can show them that we are thinking of them.”

Seniors involved in the program should be on the lookout for visits from Santa in coming weeks. Kenny said presents are expected to be distributed in time for the holidays,

He hopes the program will be a valued part of this holiday season for both givers and receivers.

“Everyone feels good in the process,” Kenny said. “Isn't that what the holidays are all about?”

Those interested in buying a gift for a senior can visit beasantatoasenior.com.

By entering a zip code, givers can see senior wish lists from their area and make purchases online through Dec. 11.

A personalized greeting can be included with gifts when they're delivered.

“Be a Santa to a Senior is more important than ever,” Kenny said. “While the gifts may seem small to us, they are huge in the eyes of these seniors who receive them — and may not have received anything else this holiday season.”